Meet two women among 18 presidential candidates for 2027 election

Only two of the 18 presidential candidates cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the January 2027 election are women. They are Ada Okwori of the National Democratic Party (NDP) and Esther Nkem Okereke of the National Rescue Movement (NRM). INEC published the final list of presidential and National Assembly candidates on September 12 in a document signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony. The two women will contest against President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, and other candidates. The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027. 1. Ada Okwori, 48 Okwori, an Idoma from Benue State, founded the National Democratic Party and serves as its chairperson. Her running mate is Uchenna Anthony Chukwuemeka, also 48.